Pulmonary Associates in Orange City, FL

YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. These factors are similar to those you might use to determine which business to select from a local Yellow Pages directory, including proximity to where you are searching, expertise in the specific services or products you need, and comprehensive business information to help evaluate a business's suitability for you. “Preferred” listings, or those with featured website buttons, indicate YP advertisers who directly provide information about their businesses to help consumers make more informed buying decisions. YP advertisers receive higher placement in the default ordering of search results and may appear in sponsored listings on the top, side, or bottom of the search results page.

Tips & Advice

How much does it cost to see a pulmonologist?

The cost to see a pulmonologist can vary depending on several factors, starting with the cost of the appointment. This can range from around $50 on up, depending on location, etc. You will likely have to take, at a minimum, a spirometry test which records the rate and amounts of air inhaled and exhaled. This initial test is used to diagnose lung conditions. From there your doctor may have to have more tests to further diagnose your condition. If you are paying out-of-pocket, you can expect a minimum cost of your office visit and spirometry test. Obviously additional tests, severity of condition, and other variables can influence your cost. Pulmonologists are usually billable under most insurance plans, but consult your policy or insurance representative to understand what your plan covers.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs. There is no singular cause of pneumonia, making it a common and dangerous ailment. There are more than 30 germs, bacteria and viruses that can cause it. The usual symptoms of pneumonia include coughing with phlegm, fever and chills and difficulty breathing. The air sacs in the lungs may fill with fluid and this is when it can be very dangerous and potentially fatal. Pneumonia is especially dangerous in infants, people older than 65, and people with reduced immunity. It is usually treatable with antibiotics and over the counter medicines and can sometimes be prevented with vaccines.

What is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis, or CF, is a genetically-inherited progressive respiratory disease that damages the lungs and digestive systems. As the disease progresses, frequent infections limit and reduce the ability to breathe. The defective gene causes production and buildup of thick mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs, due to a defective gene that produces a protein called the CFTR. Symptoms may include frequent lung infection, a persistent cough that produces thick mucus, breathlessness, intolerance to exercise, and frequently inflamed sinuses or nasal passages. Due to the seriousness of CF, it is standard now for all newborns to be screened for it. CF is a life-threatening disease that can be treated to ease the symptoms, but ultimately cannot be cured.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an illness caused by a viral infection in which the lining of the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed, causing reduces airflow capabilities to and from the lungs. Primary symptoms of bronchitis and acute bronchitis are chronic or persistent cough, and coughing up mucus. These can also be symptomatic of other respiratory conditions, so be sure get a correct diagnosis from your physician. Bronchitis is easily treatable and can take a few days or even weeks to fully recover depending on the strength of the strain, time of diagnosis and the person’s health and recovery abilities. You can treat bronchitis on your own without medical attention, assuming it is not an extreme condition.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted or stopped during sleep. Sleep apnea can be dangerous because the lack of breathing deprives the body and brain of crucial oxygen. Symptoms of sleep apnea may include loud snoring and feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep. These can also be symptoms of other respiratory conditions, and even be harmless coincidences, so be sure to consult your physician for clarity and proper diagnosis. Age and obesity are primary risk factors for sleep apnea and it is more common in men. Sleep apnea treatments include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and the use of breathing assistance (CPAP) machines at night.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a condition that creates a progressive blockage or obstruction of airflow in and/or out of the lungs. Symptoms of COPD may include shortness of breath, wheezing and chronic cough. COPD is a slow, progressive disease that, if not diagnosed and treated, can ultimately be fatal. Smoking, second-hand smoke, and pollution are the top three causes of COPD. While COPD cannot be cured, it can be treated and managed.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes difficulty in breathing. A major symptom of asthma is spasms in the bronchi of the lungs. The airways become inflamed, can shrink and swell, and increase mucus production. Asthma is generally the result of an allergic reaction or a form of hypersensitivity. There are varying degrees of asthma, including chronic asthma, but it is nearly 100 percent treatable, except for unusual circumstances. There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications that treat it.

What type of conditions do pulmonologists treat?

Pulmonologists treat a wide variety of conditions, including but not limited to asthma; emphysema; bronchitis; occupational lung disorders such as asbestos exposure and farmer’s lung (exposure to organisms found in wheat, hay, etc. that impact the lungs); pulmonary fibrosis (thickening and scarring of the lungs); Rheumatoid lung disease (related to rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the lining of the lungs); and sarcoidosis (inflammatory disease which has no known cause or cure).

What does a pulmonologist do?

A pulmonologist focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pulmonary conditions, such as asthma that affect the lungs and respiratory system.

What is pulmonology?

Pulmonology is the study of the lungs and the respiratory system. Doctors who specialize in pulmonology are internal medicine doctors with a specialty in pulmonary systems.

I used to see a doctor there. One day he wemt on vacation. He never came back. I was gigen am ARPN instead for the next year. My last two appointments a brand new Nurse with zero experience saw me because my usual one took a surprise extended vacation. Then, I waited two months to see their actual doctor, got to appt on time and 45 min later told that the doctor did not come in as usual at 9:15. Then, I was there an additional 2 hours while they wrote me a refill on my Rx and printed out results from a test taken two-three weeks ago. They blamed myself and the other patients for their issues. They refused to help with my issues that I came in to speak to the doctor about, and they also violated HIPPA by explaining my entire case file with the entire staff within earshot of every patient on the non-urgent side and the waiting room. Also, if you request assistance with pain, such as pain management and what to do about it as a tonic-clonic epileptic, they treated me like a drug addict trying to get pills. Unbelievable waste of several hours.

I would give zero stars if I could. This Dr., on several occasions now, has refused to refill a prescription for an anti-depressant (that he's been prescribing for 3 years) because I was unable to make it to his office for a follow up office visit after falling and breaking my nose. ONE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OTHER. He went so far as to instruct his office staff explicitly before going on a month long vacation, to not refill my prescription until I see him. That's hard to do when he's on vacation for a month. This guy obviously has NO interest in his patient's well-being, and cares ONLY about getting paid for his office visit whether it's needed or not. I was in his office a month or two prior to the the refill request because I had fallen and broken my nose. This was the second time I had broken my nose, yet he stated after seeing my x-ray that there were no broken bones. This was not the case as was confirmed by my new Dr. I would avoid Dr. Vargheese at ALL costs, unless you like to be treated as a number and getting ripped off via UNNECESSARY and excessive office visits.

Dr Joseph has been my PC for several years, and in all the years of illness, and many unethical Dr's, he is the best by far. For ten years I had an incurable, serious disorder that left me desperate for help. ALL of the neurologists and PC's I saw promised help but only took the money and gave no help at all. Dr Joseph is ethical, understanding, and has not been infected with the huge ego so many others have. He will listen to your problem, and help without wasting your time and money if he can. Don't waste his. His office runs like a Swiss clock, no long waits, his courteous and helpful staff are the best I've been to..I'm 64, and have been to many, many around the country. Simply put, if you need a primary care Dr in this region of Florida, Dr Antony P. Joseph is the best you will find.Dave

Parking is not adequate not enough spaces. At first everyone seems truly friendly but don't bother asking more than one question because then they act as though there doing you a favor by treating you. The do as I say and don't question why i'm giving you this medicine is not proper behavior. Ask your pharmacist how to take it and what not to combine with other medicine is not the response I expect from a highly educated person that calls himself a doctor. I most certainly don't expect a Doctor to display a temper tantrum in front of a client nor his student in training not very professional. If you only want to give a client 10 minutes of service then express to them how much time is allocated to them and don't spend that time joking and training others or maybe just don't train new soon to be Doctors if you don't have the patience for it. Very sad about this because Dr. was highly recommended. How ever he needs an attitude adjustment.

Staff seemed okay. Had appointment and still waited 2 hrs. Finally seen Doctor sneak in back door. I seen him at his other office and thought he was a little disrespectful but let it slide. Today at my appointment he really showed his true colors. First of all he is disrespectful the way he speaks to patients plus he pretty much yelled at me for not filling out my Blood pressure chart even though I just got the chart today. He would say in his disrespectful tone " you have to fill that out man you have to fill that out" and I simply said I just received it today how could it be filled out. His remarks were why are you arguing with me ? I laughed and said I'm not arguing with you. He than told me to let him finish his notes and told me to wait outside. I couldn't believe it didn't even ask me how I was feeling which I was hoping to get antibiotics for this upper respiratory infection I have currently but was unable to tell him about. Due to the fact he did nothing but type on his computer and tell me I was arguing with him than kicked me out. Unbelievable never have I had a doctor speak to me that type of way. I would not refer my worst enemy to him and I'm now gonna look for another doctor for sure. That's all

Terrible doctor that doesn't hesitate to lie straight in your face. The staff are friendly enough, but the doctor is not someone you should entrust your health to. He told my mom who is a 10-yr vegan that she has high cholesterol, 245, after seeing her last blood test results. Doubtful of this, I requested the lab results from the blood test office. It was a TSH, thyroid test, which showed her levels were perfectly normal. Where the heck did he get her cholesterol levels from?

I've been to this clinic 3 times within the past year and been seen by Jennifer Cox each of those times. All of my experiences there have extremely pleasant and far exceeded my expectations. The longest I had to wait was probably around 20 minutes, but the last two visits I was seen within 10. The staff if very kind and considerate. I would definitely recommend this walk-in clinic to anyone without insurance or otherwise.

UPDATE: I have seen Dr Joseph for six years, and have given him great reviews in the past. I have been on Permanent Disability for eight years, from incurable injuries, 3 breaks in my leg, knee damage, arthritis in knees and spine, herniated disc, frozen shoulder, both sides, and acute gastritis and hepatitis with cirrhosis, and can't take NSAIDs. When my tolerance to hydrocodone/acetaminophen reached the point of constant pain with no relief, I asked to be given what I was on in Arizona, extended release morphine, according to hepatologist, the safest and most effective medication for people with liver disease, he flatly refused and said he does NOT prescribe morphine EVER. Instead he suggested ultram, a medication that has strict warning against use with liver disorders, had I not known this and taken the pills, it would have finished off my liver, and caused my death. After explaining that to him, he gave me the Fyntanal patch, a totally infective dose that the NIH showed pictures of needing 20 at once to be as effective as morphine, a polite way of saying it is useless for severe, chronic pain. His lack of knowledge of pharmacology is dangerous. Bottom line, if you only have minor problems, he is adequate, the staff excellent. But if you have any chronic serious conditions, he will not be of any help, or worse, can do you irreparable harm. When I tried to explain the problems with his ineffective methods, and provided documentation from the leading government agencies, he treated me like a skid row bum instead of a patient of 6 years. Like many of the Doctors in Florida, he should read what the Mayo Clinic told them years ago. A doctors job is largely to control pain, if they are not willing to prescribe the medications that do that, they should find another profession.

Physicians and surgeons help to keep people - from infants to the elderly - as healthy as possible. These individuals provide diagnoses and treatments for a wide variety of ailments, and preventative care and early detection for more serious illnesses. Whether you love or hate going to the doctor, the fact is your physician is there to listen to your health concerns, take preventative measures against diseases and advise you on your options for staying in tip-top shape.

In 2013, there were more than 1 million doctors of medicine in the U.S., over 854,000 of which were active. Additionally, in 2012, there were about 18,000 active general surgeons in the country. It's important to know which type of physician or surgeon you need, how to choose the best one, and account for other considerations in order to stay healthy.

Different Types of Physicians

Patients can choose from a wide variety of physicians depending on doctor specialty and what problems they are experiencing. Here are a few of the most common types of physicians that you may see in your lifetime:

General Practitioner
Your GP is the doctor that you go to for regular checkups, vaccines and to identify health issues. GPs can treat many different illnesses and injuries, from the common cold to a broken arm. If your health requires a second opinion or expert care, the GP will refer you to a specialist who has the skills to focus in on the issue.

Cardiologist
Heart attacks and heart disease are some of the most common afflictions seen across the country, making cardiologists important to your long-term health. These physicians specialize in studying and treating the heart and related diseases.

Dentist
Other than a GP, the dentist is likely the most common physician you'll ever see. These professionals work with the human mouth, ensuring that your teeth and gum health are up to par. Patients typically go to the dentist twice a year.

Dermatologist
Dermatologists are focused on skin-related issues and diseases, from skin cancers, to acute acne, eczema, psoriasis, and general cosmetic concerns like aging and scars. Most will also perform annual or semi-annual mole checks to screen for any signs of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

ENT
If you have a number of sinus infections or have had your tonsils taken out, you've likely seen an ENT specialist. ENTs handle ailments related to the ear, nose and throat, often related to taking out tonsils and treating hearing issues.

OB/GYN
For many women, their gynecologist and obstetrician are the same person. These professionals work with the female reproductive system to focus on reproductive health, fertility issues, prenatal care, options for new and expectant mothers, neonatal care and childbirth. OB/GYNs can also help in the early detection of breast or cervical cancer.

Choosing a Physician

There are obviously a number of physicians that you can choose from, but how do you know if they're the best choice for you? Here are a few considerations to help you pick a physician:

Look at Your Insurance
Before you get down to the details, you need to verify which doctors are covered by your insurance and whether they are in or out of your carrier's network. Rates may be cheaper if the doc is in network – a doctor can be covered by your insurance but not necessarily in network. Out of network is typically more expensive. Doctors often add and drop plans, so it's important to ensure that your options are compatible with your insurance plan. Doing your homework will help you avoid unexpected expenses.

Check for Board Certification
Your physician should be certified through the American Board of Medical Specialties. Doctors must earn a medical degree from a qualified school, complete three to seven years of residency training, be licensed by a state medical board and pass one or more ABMS exams to be certified.

Examine the Reviews
Reviews of a doctor can reveal a lot about what your experience may be like. People may grade on staff friendliness, availability and effectiveness of treatment. Looking at these evaluations and getting recommendations from family and friends can direct you toward a physician for your needs.

Choosing a Surgeon

Surgeons can literally hold your life in their hands, and it's important to find the best one that can put you at ease and treat you effectively

Compatibility Factor
You need to feel comfortable with your surgeon. It's important to communicate your concerns and that your surgeon can respond adequately. Surgeons should be willing to go over the details of your procedure and answer any questions that you may have. They must take the time to discuss and address your worries.

Expertise Level
If you're going in for surgery, you want someone that knows what they're doing and has a high success rate. Ask how often the surgeon performs this surgery and try to find one that regularly does it. This will give you peace of mind that you're in capable hands.

Understanding Your Insurance

Your decision on a physician or surgeon can be majorly affected by the insurance plan you have. You may have insurance through employment, your spouse, your parents if you're under 26, or the marketplace if the previous options don't apply to you. It's important to understand how your insurance works to have the full picture of what you'll need to pay for.

Your insurance will have a deductible, which is the amount that you're responsible to pay for covered medical expenses. Some plans have coinsurances, where you must pay a certain percentage of the bill, and insurance will cover the rest. Co-pays state a flat rate for certain services, like paying $20 when you visit your GP or a $100 co-pay for an emergency room visit. Once you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, which will differ if you're an individual or within a family plan, your insurance may pay for 100 percent of covered medical expenses for the rest of the plan year.

If you plan to go to the doctor, need medication or have been recommended for surgery, call your insurance provider or go online to see what your plan covers. You can choose the best doctor for your needs, understand your options and prevent yourself from being blindsided by medical expenses.

Setting Your Appointment

Most doctors require a phone call for an appointment, although some may provide online scheduling as well. Be sure to have your insurance card with you when you set an appointment, and to bring it with you to the actual appointment. They need the ID numbers to verify your coverage, and will usually make a copy of the card for their files so you don't have to show it again unless your insurance changes.

When you call, let them know if you're a new patient, as this will require you to complete some paperwork for your first visit. Tell them the reason for your visit, such as your symptoms if you're feeling sick. It's also important to inform them if you have Medicaid and to find out if you need to bring anything to the visit, like current medications or medical records.

From here, the receptionist will likely ask what dates and times work best for you. During your call, it's important to be honest about your symptoms and the reason for your visit. This information will help the doctor treat you and give him or her an idea of what to expect. Your appointment may progress faster as a result, and the doctor can come prepared with a list of options to better care for you.

Risks

Doctors see a number of patients in a day, sometimes in 15-minute increments in areas where the physicians are in high demand. This can leave little time for doctors to perform thorough examinations, and they can end up missing certain problem indicators. While some problems, like a cold or flu, can be diagnosed in this time, more complex ailments require attention, which takes up time. Reviews can illuminate which doctors actively spend the necessary time with their patients and which ones are pressed against the clock to meet demand.

Surgery has some more dire risks attached to it, so be sure to talk to your surgeon about the potential issues that can come up as a result of your procedure. If a patient has a reaction to anesthesia, it can cause very serious complications, but this is an uncommon occurrence. Blood clots can be a significant problem after surgery, often caused by inactivity during recovery. Infections, numbness, scarring, swelling and death are all possible, but the likelihood of these issues will vary depending on the type of surgery you're undergoing. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and your risk potential.

Aftercare

Surgery affects people in different ways, but as you begin to emerge from anesthesia, you'll want to alert your nurse to any issues you may have. The nurse will tell you how the procedure went, what effect it will have on your condition, what to expect when you get home and how long it will take to get back to normal. If you start feeling pain, the nurse may give you medication to stop it from getting worse. When possible, it's also advised to move around to avoid blood clots from developing in your legs. This can be as simple as occasionally flexing your knee or rotating your foot.

Some surgeries are outpatient procedures, where people are released the same day. For major surgeries, patients may stay at the hospital for a few days to be monitored and address any concerns before being sent home. Discuss with your surgeon the projected length of the hospital stay and what you need to bring.

Recovery and Follow-up

Your recovery time and follow-up expectations will vary depending on your procedure. For example, you can be expected to be on your feet within a few days of having your wisdom teeth taken out, but it may be weeks before you have fully recovered from a broken foot or heart-valve surgery. Your surgeon will give you a list of things that you'll need to do during this time, including what medications to take and when you'll be able to get back to work and other activities.

Every surgery will have a follow-up call or appointment to discuss your recovery and allow you to ask any questions about unusual symptoms or changes in your overall health. If you have a major operation, like heart surgery, it's important to make regular checkups with your doctor or a specialist to ensure that everything is normal. Visiting a doctor will help deter infection and verify that everything is healing as expected. These appointments will give you peace of mind about your state of health and ensure that any issues are caught early on.